By Ryan Pilon

Riverbend to be expanded

Jan 10, 2011 | 5:05 PM

The federal government has announced it is spending $10 million to expand the Riverbend Institution in Prince Albert.

A 50-bed security unit will be added, increasing the number of inmates the institution can hold from 126 to 176.

Wanita Koczka, deputy warden for the Riverbend Institution, said she is pleased with the announcement.

“I think that is very positive for Riverbend and CSC (Correctional Service of Canada) in general.

There’s a need for minimal security bed spaces, and we certainly have the capacity in terms of space to accommodate that,” said Koczka.

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Riverbend Institution is a minimum security institution, where inmates are offered various programs, such as educational improvement and development courses.

The government is also spending $10 million to expand the Willow Cree Healing Lodge at Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation.

Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, Randy Hoback, explained why the government is expanding these facilities.

“With movement in two pieces of legislation, C-2 and C-25, there is going to be more need for more spaces and more bed spaces to house these criminals,” said Hoback.

The bills Hoback is talking about are legislation which will see a mandatory sentence for crimes committed with firearms, as well as getting rid of the rule where people receive two days for every day served while awaiting trial.

The work on Riverbend Institution is scheduled to be completed between 2012 and 2013.

rpilon@panow.com